Richard DeWiggins Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Ingram Funeral Home - Marysville on Aug. 7, 2025.
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It is with great sadness that the family of Richard Michael (Rick) DeWiggins announce his passing on August 5, 2025, at Memorial Hospital of Union County surrounded by his loved ones. A Christmas blessing, Rick, age 70, was born December 25, 1954, in Newark, Ohio, to the late Carl E. (Benny) and Lois M. (Johns) DeWiggins. He resided with his family in Newark until Rockwell International transferred his father to the Marysville facility in 1972 and Marysville became home to them. A graduate of Marysville High School, Rick attended Columbus State Community College. Finding himself to be mechanically inclined, he followed in his father's footsteps and began to hone his skills as a machinist while employed with several machine shops in the area. This eventually led him to the Sutphens Corporation where he, as a technician, assisted in the design, production, and delivery of fire trucks - as well as the facilitation of training for firefighters on how to operate their new emergency vehicles. During this time, Rick met the love of his life, Melanie Johnson. They were married on March 11, 1999, and were able to celebrate their 26th wedding anniversary this year. A long-time member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles 3506, Rick served in several leadership roles of which he was quite proud. He was honored to be associated with an organization that values fellowship, community spirit, good works, service, and relationship building with the youth and adults of the community - as well as all Eagles members. He was an active participant in many of the club's events and activities, especially those that raised funds to support the various needs of the community including; schools, youth sports programs, scholarships, and more. He held the Eagles in the highest regard and was thankful and appreciative of the fellowship and friendships offered him. Among his other interests and activities, Rick was a huge Ohio State University Buckeye fan (especially football and soccer), was steadfast in his support of the long-suffering Cleveland Browns, and always rooted for NASCAR #5 Terry Labonte. He was also an avid golfer, amateur meteorologist, and a history buff. In earlier years, Rick both played on and coached several baseball teams. He had many facets to his personality and it has to be said that he could be, at times, cantankerous and ornery; however, he was mostly a kind, loving, and giving person who would be the first to help anyone in need. He possessed a great sense of humor, loved nature, and was well known for his huge heart for animals, especially dogs. He sorely missed his late canine companion, Buckeye. Rick fought a courageous battle against a myriad of medical issues that began in his early childhood and continued throughout his entire life. None witnessed the suffering he endured more than his friends and the family who knew him as a loving husband, father, papaw, brother, and uncle who will miss him dearly. He is survived by his beloved wife, Melanie; sons, Shane (Elizabeth) DeWiggins and Chris (Jamie) Johnson; grandchildren, Christian DeWiggins, Deegan DeWiggins, Issac Johnson and Ellie Johnson; two sisters, Carla (William) Steele and Tami Yoder; aunt, Shirlee Barcic; nieces, Brooke (Josh) Slaughter and Shannon (Dan) Bubp; nephews, Ben (Rachel) Steele and Matt (Audra) Yoder; great-nieces and nephews, Cole, Tristen, and Caelia Steele, Andre and Kenley Slaughter, Avery and Libby Bubp, and Everly Yoder; as well as many dear cousins and special friends. In addition to his parents, Benny and Lois, Rick was preceded in death by his daughter, Betty Lee Siders Foor; former wife, Karen (Myers) Jones; aunts and uncles, Gerald and Mary Helen Johns and Brian Barcic. The family will receive friends and family on August 9, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Ingram and Snyder Funeral Home, 975 N. Maple St., Marysville, with services immediately following at 1:00 p.m. Pastor Kathy Reiff, a dear family friend, will officiate and interment will be at the Broadway Cemetery. A Celebration of Life for Rick will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly invites those who wish to honor Rick to consider a donation to the Union County Humane Society. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Ingram & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve Rick's family. Online condolences may be shared at www.IngramFuneralService.com.